ABA- An IB World School

NEWSLETTER Number 02

1 September 2010

News from the Assistant to the Superintendent…
 

The Superintendent, Mrs Nashman-Smith, is away in Canada for the next two weeks. In her absence, all matters requiring her attention can be referred to me through her Executive Assistant.

The past week has been one of tremendous energy, optimism and enthusiasm from our students, staff and parents.  Our new staff members have made an excellent transition to ABA and are having a positive influence throughout the school.  Our students have settled down to their classes and are looking forward with great enthusiasm to the challenges of the year ahead.  Many students are already involved in a variety of activities outside of the classroom such as auditioning for UN Day, trying out for athletic teams, raising money for the ‘Pakistani Flood Victims Relief Fund’ and volunteering for the many Community Service opportunities  which are available.

ABA is extremely fortunate to have a very active PTA. This past week they hosted a ‘Welcome Back Coffee Morning’ for new and returning parents and have organized the Ramadan Food Drive.  I encourage all our parents, and especially our new parents to support this very important group. The first PTA meeting is on Sunday 5^th September at 7.45 am in the PTA centre. 

The traffic continues to move smoothly and I thank parents for driving with care and observing the drop off and pick up zones.  All new parents should obtain an ABA car pass if they wish to gain access to the school campus.  Application forms are available from reception in the Administration building. Please attach one photo to the application form and return it by Wednesday 8^th September.  From Wednesday 15^th September parents and drivers will be denied access to the campus if they do not show security their pass.  Car passes from previous years remain valid.

ABA follows private sector holidays and you will be advised of the dates of the Eid holiday once we have received official notification.

Elsbeth Lang
Assistant to the Superintendent

This week we hosted our parent orientations for K2 through Grade 5 parents. The structure of the two evenings meant that some parents had children in grades that were presenting on the same evening and for other parents it meant two evenings at school. Whichever way the cards fell for you, we would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding. It has been, from our standpoint, an incredibly smooth start to the school year. We still have some families just returning to ABA now and unfortunately others who have had to pack up house and move on due to employment changes.

I would like to recognize the efforts of the classroom teachers in being so organized, especially regarding to communication with home and class assessments which have been taking place over the last week and a half. The feedback we have received, especially from parents new to our school, has been very complimentary.

A reminder that all parents can access the Student-Parent handbook at: http://abaweb/ABA_site/General/FileDownload.aspx.   A hard copy of the last page of that handbook has been sent home for parents to sign. It is an acknowledgement that you have read the handbook. Please return this form by Sept 15^th.

“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”  A.V. Buren 

Stephen Madden
Elementary School Principal

News from the Assist Elem Principal/PYP Coordinator...
 

Three years ago, as a first grade teacher, I had 22 students in my classroom.  Those students came from 21 different countries.  At ABA that is the norm, to have classrooms made up of children form many different nationalities.  Much of the learning comes from the students themselves.  Having a discussion on the carpet about food, clothing or just about anything can take many twists and turns because the discussion turns into question and answer time among the students.

We value that at ABA.  We want our children to be internationally minded.  But what is an internationally minded person?  “It is a person who demonstrates the attributes of the IB learner profile” (Making the PYP Happen).  We strive for our graduates leaving ABA to exhibit each attribute of the learner profile.  Our graduates are:

Inquirers

Knowledgeable

Thinkers

Communicators

Principled

Open-minded

Caring

Risk-takers

Balanced

Reflective

If you follow the link below you can watch a short video (2:42 minutes) produced by the IB that explains a little more about the learner profile and what it means to be an international student.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqMZ1uXOZ80

 Michael Berry
Assistant Elementary Principal
IBPYP Coordinator

On Tuesday 7^th September the Secondary School will be hosting a ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening from 430-530pm.

Parents of students in Grades 6-11 are cordially invited to ‘meet the teachers’ in the new Secondary School building. Students will not be attending.

There are two objectives for the evening.  Parents are able to:

1.  Make personal contact with teachers.

2.  Ask questions about the academic programme.

There will not, however, be the opportunity to discuss the progress of individual students at this early stage in the semester.

At the same time parents of Grade 12 students are invited to meet the college counsellor in the upper foyer of the Philippa Leggate Performing Arts Centre for a university information evening.

We have now completed our first full week of school. A reminder that:

‘Students are expected to come to school dressed in an appropriate manner with a well-groomed appearance. Students violating this code will not be allowed in class and will be asked to phone home for appropriate clothing or the student will be sent home.’

Please support us by ensuring all students come to school dressed as per ABA dress code.

Terry Storer
Secondary School Principal

Grade 12 Parent/Student University Evening 

On Tuesday, September 7 from 4:30pm-5:30pm in the Upper Foyer, we will hold our annual university meeting for Grade 12 parents and students.  Topics discussed will be the role of the parent, ten tips to successful applications, utilizing Family Connection and expectations for students.  We hope to see you there!

Grades 9-11 PSAT Registration

On October 16, the PSAT will be administered at ABA. The PSAT, offered one time a year, prepares students to take the SAT, an important admissions exam for US universities. Any Grade 9-11 student interested in attending a US university should consider taking this exam. It is crucial for Grade 11 students as this is the last opportunity to take the exam before sitting the SAT in May 2011. For more specific details about the PSAT, please refer to:

www.collegeBoard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html.

To register, students should complete the PSAT Registration survey on Family Connection. The fee is 8 Rials and payable to Mr. Vasu in the Business Office. If you have any questions, please see or email me at mfrederickson@abaoman.edu.om.

The Impact of IGCSE Results on UK University Admissions

A recent article in the Telegraph discussed the issue of UK universities making admission decisions based on GCSE results at a higher rate than in previous years. Grade 10 families who are considering higher education in the UK may find this article of interest:

University candidates selected on their GCSE results, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/7961011/University-candidates-selected-on-their-GCSE-results.html

Marcie Frederickson
School Counselor/University Advisor

News from the School Counselor - Grade 5-8...

I had the pleasure of meeting with students new to ABA this week. We discussed their transition to a new school and students worked to understand the process they undergo when changes are made in their lives.  The secondary library has many good publications for families who are new to ABA and also making the transition to a new country which can help you at this important time. As a parent of an ABA student, you can borrow books from the library at any time.

As students settle into the routine of school, homework will be given on a daily basis. Your child should have discussed their homework timetable with you. Despite what they may tell you, your child has homework every evening. Language, English and Math (10-15 minutes of each) is the minimum. Therefore, reading, reviewing vocabulary and “Mathletics” are examples of activities to work on.  “101 Ways to Get Your Child to Read” by Patience Thomson and “Homework without Tears” written by Canter and Hausner, are available in the library and offer practical tips and suggestions for parents. In addition, “THE HUB” (formerly known as Homework Club) will begin this Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday after school in S8 for all students in grades 6-9. Teachers, resources and computers will be available from 2.20-3.20 for students to complete homework and projects.

Finally, we are in the process of organising School Council Elections. Children from all grade levels are encouraged to take on leadership roles in the school, take risks and make a difference.  Children will receive information in advisory next week.
 

Claire Anthony
School Counselor (Grade 5-8)

News from the Music Department...

As the ABA year gets into full swing, now is the time to think of the benefits your child can receive from learning a musical instrument.  Perceptual Motor Skills can improve, and the way our brain works in subjects such as Mathematics can be quickened by playing instruments such as the violin or piano. Lessons are also available in Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Singing, Drum Kit, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar and possibly Classical Guitar.

Please email Mr Langrish for an application form on alangrish@abaoman.edu.om or see him for a hard copy.
 

Anthony Langrish

News from the Secondary Library...

Introducing the Secondary Library staff

I’m Ms Kimbra Weeks and I’m the head librarian at ABA Secondary Library. I’m new to ABA this year but I have been a teacher librarian for many years. I’m married to Mr Rod Collins, who teaches science here at ABA. We have both visited Oman a few years ago and we are already enjoying living here and working with the wonderful people who make up the ABA community. We come from Hobart, Tasmania, which is the island state of Australia. I have taught in many schools there as well as in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

My favourite things are teddy bears, books and chocolate (Hobart has a Cadbury chocolate factory – maybe that’s why...). I am a collector of teddy bears and owls as well as books.

My all-time favourite books are: Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. I have read them over and over again. My adult reading list includes many crime and mystery authors such as Elizabeth George and Donna Leon but I like many, many more authors and genres. So many books, so little time!

Email: kweeks@abaoman.edu.om

My name is Ms Rebecca Boardman. Last year I was volunteering in the Secondary Library but this year I am working here. I am married to Mr Ian Classey, who teaches Maths, and we have two kids in the Elementary School.

I come from England and I have worked in school and university libraries all over the world, including England, Zimbabwe and Turkey.

I love travel writing; my favourite writer is Bill Bryson but I have to be careful not to read his books on a bus as I tend to snort and laugh out loud which makes people think you are crazy. I also enjoy detective mysteries, especially the old style, like Agatha Christie.

Email: rboardman@abaoman.edu.om

You may already be familiar with our library assistants, Ms Mashkulla Al Zakwani and Ms Rozi Shamsudin who help the students and teachers in so many ways. They will introduce themselves in another issue of the newsletter.

News About After-School Activities...

ELEMENTARY (Grade 2-5)

The first session of After-School Activities will begin on Saturday, September 18^th and finish on December 2^nd. The information sheet and a form to fill will be coming home today, Wednesday 1^st September. All forms should be returned by Sunday 5^th September. Any forms that come in after that will be put on a wait list.  Please take the time to read over the activities with your child and list three activities because there is no guarantee that your child will get their first choice. 

All activities will end at 3:15pm unless otherwise stated. Please be on time to pick up your child. All students who are not picked up by then and are not taking the bus will be sent to the Administration building. 

Please e-mail Kelly Rambo at krambo@abomam.edu.om if you have any questions. 

Elementary Swim Team Try-outs

Grade 4 & 5:         Saturday 2:30-4:00pm

Grade 2 & 3:         Monday 2:30-4:00pm

Please contact Leslie Wiechnik on 92807727 if you have any questions. 

Learn to Swim Program for Grades 1-5

Sign up is from 7:30-8:00am on Tuesday 7^th and Wednesday 8^th September in the PTA Centre.  It is on a first come, first served basis so make sure to be there on one of those two days if you wish to your child to participate in the program.

Please contact Denise Pollack on 95979102 if you have any questions. 

Capoeira for Grades 5-5

On Wednesdays at a fee of RO 20 for nine weeks – this is not on the form coming home. If you are selected for this activity the fee should be paid to the Business Office before the first class.  

SECONDARY (Grade 6-12)  

Swim Team Try-outs

Grade 6-8:             Sunday 2:30-4:30pm

Grade 9-12:          Tuesday 2:30-4:30pm 

Grade 6

All grade 6 students will be included in the Elementary After-School Activities program this year as leaders. In addition, they will be able to participate in any Under 14 Sports team and secondary activities related to their age group.  

Grade 7-12

All activities will be posted on the notice board outside the secondary cafeteria and all sign-ups will be outside Mrs. Rambo’s office. Any secondary student who wishes to take part in the first session of activities must be signed up by the 8^th of September. All activities will start on the 18^th of September. 

Some of the activities that will be starting in the secondary are:

Yoga for grade 9-12 girls

Capoeira (Brazilian martial art and dance) for grade 6-8

Kids Healing Kids for grade 6-8

Chess Club for grade 7-9

Darts for grade 8-10

And many more 

This year we have also introduced an intramural program that will include all grade 11-12 students. It will start on September 18^th and run every day at first break.  

Vipers Sports 

All Volleyball teams, Junior Varsity and Varsity, have started with their try-outs and are looking forward to a great season. All games will be posted throughout the school and included in the newsletter. 

Practice Schedules for Volleyball

J.V Girls:                Saturday 3:30-4:30pm, Sunday 2:30-4:30pm, Tuesday 2:30-4:30pm and Thursday

J.V Boys:               Sunday 2:30-4:30pm, Monday 3:30-4:30pm, Wednesday 2:30-4:30pm and Thursday

Varsity Girls:         Saturday 2:30-4:30pm, Monday 2:30-4:30pm, Tuesday 3:30-4:30pm and Thursday

Varsity Boys:       Saturday 2:30-4:30pm, Sunday 3:30-4:30pm, Tuesday 2:30-4:30pm and Thursday 

Swim Team Practice Schedule once the team has been selected

Saturday and Monday:     3:30-4:30pm

Sunday and Tuesday:        2:30-4:30pm 

Teams to start in October

Football J.V and Varsity Grade 6-12

Under 14 Volleyball Grade 6-8 

We are looking forward to another great year of fun-filled after-school activities and an action-packed Vipers Season.

Kelly Rambo
Activities Coordinator

News from the School Nurse...

The Blood Transfusion Team from the Ministry of Health will be holding a Blood Donation Session at ABA on the 6^th September 2010 in the PTA Centre.

• The Team will be here from 10.00 am - 3.00 pm.

• Donors aged 18-60, who are fit and healthy, are welcome to attend.

• The donation involves a simple procedure of 15 to 20 minutes duration.  

• Would-be donors are advised to have breakfast on the day of donation. Light refreshments will be provided after donation.

• Anyone intending to donate blood must have their labour / resident’s card with them on the day.

Mary Rawlinson
School Nurse

News from the PTA ...

FIRST PTA MEETING: SUNDAY 5^TH SEPTEMBER 2010 AT 7:45AM IN THE PTA CENTER
 

Food Drive

A very big thank-you to all the parents who generously donated to the Food Drive over the last week; we will be delivering the food items to the Oman Charitable Association next week. 

Blood Donation

The PTA center will be used for Blood Donation Session on Monday September 6^th from 10am – 3pm.  The center will be out of use during those hours.  Apologies for the inconvenience – See you on Tuesday!

ABA Learn-to-Swim

Registration for this program will be on Tuesday and Wednesday (September 7 & 8 respectively) in the PTA center from 7:30 – 8:00am.

PTA Events

You will all have received a couple of forms last week regarding the PTA Homeroom Program and the PTA Events.  If you have not handed them in yet, please could you do so as soon as possible, so we can get our Homeroom Parent Program up and running soon. 

If you have any questions on the PTA events and how you can help, please contact either Abi Wilson or Michele Deverell, or come down to the PTA center, as there is always a PTA Committee member in the center in the morning at drop off and for the afternoon pick up.

LABEL YOUR STUFF!  ... And raise funds for our school!

Save the lost property box from overflowing by labeling your child's stuff with great quality labels that stay stuck from Stuck on You.  It's fast and it's easy! 

Simply logon to www.stuckonyou.biz/ABA, order and pay online.  In about three weeks your items will be delivered directly to your personal mailing address.  By clicking on the above link and ordering, ABA will receive 10% from all sales.  Anyone can order using this link anytime throughout the year, so forward this website to your friends and get labeling! 

Abi Wilson, PTA Chair (92993130)
Michele Deverell, PTA Vice-Chair (98835128)

News for the Community...

An Appeal

I’m looking for pieces of colourful cotton fabric large enough to make gowns for children in the Royal Hospital. If you have any that you can spare, please leave it with Ruby in the Administration building.

Many thanks.
 

Phil O’Neill

Nearly New Clothing Sale

There will be a sale of nearly new school clothing this Monday, September 6, in front of the ECE. The sale will take place before and directly after school. The cost for each item is 500 Baiza. The funds raised go into the Migrant Workers’ Fund. 
 

John Savage

Vehicle Passes

If you have applied for a vehicle pass, it is ready for collection from Rita at Reception.

RAH/Qurm to ABA School bus (2010/11)

I would like to invite any children from the ABA that live in the RAH/Qurm area to join the "ABA-Bus" service between PDO-RAH/Qurm and the ABA. The service is in its 20^th year of operation and is organized by Parents (undersigned) for Parents. It is NOT a PDO service and you do not have to be PDO staff to join!

Last year we were running 2 busses for about 120 children of all grades at a cost of approximately 150 OR per child for the full school year. Charges are at cost (monthly basis): estimated at 160-200 OR for this year. Half service (at half cost) is possible (one way trips to or from school). Discounts of 50% start at the 4^th child of a family. The more children that join the lower the cost will be!

This year we are again running two large busses.

·          The busses depart from PDO gate number 3 (the one near the RAH Rugby/Cricket field) at 06.55 hrs every morning.

·          A first stop to collect a few more kids is made along RAH street near the "golf-club driving range”.

·          A second and final stop is made on Fahud street at about 07.00 hrs am (at the parking lot in the middle of the section which runs from the RAH entrance on top of the hill to the small roundabout near Qurm park).

·          The busses return after school with typical departures from school at 14.30, 15.40 and 16.45.

·          On return the bus makes a drive through RAH area starting at the Shell station to RAH-Club, along Marjan Beach, through the camp coming out at the top and going down to Qurum-Park roundabout. The bus stops at several safe locations to drop the children off close to their homes. The bus stays on the main “RAH Camp circuit/loop” which means that for some locations your kids will have to walk a few minutes to get home.
One of the 14:30 busses (bus-2) will make a clockwise version of the RAH route.

·          The busses meet PDO specifications and include seatbelts for each seat. It is important that the children wear them!

·          The drivers are "old hands" and have proven to be reliable and safe drivers.

If you are interested in joining this great facility/service then please provide me with the following details:

1)    Your name (Parent/Guardian)

2)    Number of children and service needed: full return, to school only, from school only

3)    For each child: Name and Grade

4)    Your Contact tel numbers (office/home/GSM)

5)    Your E-mail address/es: office and home

6)    Date you would like to join the service

If there is anyone else that you know of that might be interested please forward this message to them or let me know their name so I approach them direct.

Regards

Tony van Thiel
Tel Office: 2467-8759
Tel Home: 24560301
E-Mail: tony.agm.vanthiel@pdo.co.om

Classified Section

** For Sale!!! To buy!!! Exchange or Change!!! Carpool or Babysitting!!!!**

Please forward your classified ads to Abi Wilson at abiwilson7@gmail.com, by no later than the Sunday before you wish it to appear in the Newsletter (e.g. next newsletter deadline is 5^th September). 

Adverts will feature in the newsletter for one week and then, if requested, may feature on the PTA notice board beside the main gate for a further two weeks.

TRUMPET FOR SALE

Yamaha trumpet with case, Cup Mute and notebooks, incl. DVD – all in very good condition

Contact Alexander Borm, Grade 12 – GSM 96212592

WANTED
Graphing Calculator "Texas Instruments" TI-83 Plus
Please call 92330718